Hi there, please just ignore
@JLcribber . We let him hang around for entertainment purposes. His glass is half empty where breeding birds is concerned.
Here are some things you need to do, to prepare for the chicks (if they aren't here already). Get some pedialyte from the baby aisle in the grocery store, set it aside. You will use that if the babies need extra electrolytes, energy, or hydration. Also go to the pet store and get some powdered formula, which usually is Kaytee brand. I think your birds are parrotlets? Maybe? so you need a fairly small syringe (no needle) for feeding. These things are all "just in case" anything goes wrong. Also go on Youtube and watch carefully how someone feeds babies the same species as yours.
Now you're ready. Keep feeding mama and be sure she's got plenty of water around. My birds are smaller, they are finches but they like to feed their babies dry egg food along with the seed. You might get some at the pet store while you're there. You could also just supply boiled egg, make sure you don't let it spoil in the cage though.
If you are lucky, all the birds will be healthy, will get out of the shell with no problems, and the hen will feed them. Do not help anyone out of their shell!!! It is important that they do it on their own. If one looks weak or its crop doesn't get filled, use the pedialyte. If all go empty, you'll have to pull them and hand feed.
Hand feeding is always only a 50/50 chance. You may lose one or all.
Keep us informed, and keep asking questions!
In the future, to prevent breeding, remove nests and sleeping huts. They do not need them. When eggs are laid, throw them out. If she insists on nesting you can either boil the eggs and give them back to her, refrigerate and give them back, or replace each egg with a fake one. It is MUCH easier to simply not let them nest.
Exciting!
